I.W. Harper 12 Year Old

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A premium bourbon released in 1961, unusual for its 12 years of ageing. Mellow and smooth from long maturation, it is now sold only in Japan.

Details

Brand	I.W. Harper
Distillery	—
Origin	USA / Kentucky
Style	Bourbon
Age	12 yrs
ABV	43%
Cask	New oak casks

Flavour profile

Smoky
Sweet
Fruity
Spicy
Rich

* Editorial estimate.

Tasting notes

Nose: Caramel and vanilla with ripe dried fruit and toasted, charred oak.
Palate: Smooth and mellow, with maple-like sweetness and gentle oak spice.
Finish: Moderately long, with sweetness and oak fading gently.

* Editorial tasting notes.

How to enjoy it

Neat
On the rocks

Neat or on the rocks to appreciate its long-aged smoothness. Chilled slowly over a large ice cube, the sweetness and depth unfold gently.

Food pairing

Beef jerky, roasted nuts, dark chocolate or smoked meats.

Background & production

I.W. Harper is a bourbon brand founded by Isaac Wolfe Bernheim in 1879. Now owned by Diageo, it has long been sold mainly in Japan and elsewhere in Asia.

The 12 Year Old was released in 1961. Twelve years was an unusually long maturation for bourbon at the time, giving it a mellow, smooth character. It is also known for its elegant decanter-style bottle.

Soaring overseas demand for bourbon made supplies hard to secure, and it was discontinued in June 2022, but sales resumed in Japan only on 23 July 2024. It is bottled at 43% ABV in 750 ml bottles.